Share this Page

Koeman happy to see tactical reshuffle pay off

Date published: Thursday 14th January 2016 10:24

Ronald Koeman was delighted to see his tactical change pay off in Southampton’s 2-0 win over Watford on Wednesday evening.

Southampton had lost eight of their previous 10 games going into the Premier League clash at St Marys, but Koeman switched to a back three to combat the threat of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney, with the move paying dividends.

The Saints convinced by maintaining an intense work-rate throughout but were profligate with their finishing, though Koeman insisted he was always confident his side would secure the win, secured by Shane Long and Dusan Tadic goals.

The Dutchman said: “I was not so nervous because from the start we dominated the game, controlled the game. We were dangerous, we created chances.

“I prefer to play with three at the back against two strikers. That gives more ball possession. Defensive-wise it’s a little bit more sureness, because one of our qualities is our left and right-backs are very offensive players.

“We had very good pressing. Oriol (Romeu) and (Jordy) Clasie were very good in the midfield.

“We can (start to) look up (the Premier League), but we also have to look under us, because it’s close.

“(Watford) are doing a great season. They are difficult to beat. Maybe Southampton is one of the teams who created a lot of opportunities, because normally it’s not so easy to create opportunities to score against Watford.”